Wigan Athletic 2 - 0 Bristol Rovers
Can Wigan make a push for the playoffs?
The Latics got back to winning ways with a solid 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at the Brick Community Stadium.
The Latics made a dream start, taking the lead in just the seventh minute when James Carragher rose highest to meet a free kick and headed home his first senior goal. Substitute Jonny Smith sealed the win midway through the second half with a composed finish in a one-on-one situation.
Shaun Maloney made four changes to the starting line-up for this Sky Bet League One clash. Carragher, Luke Robinson, Silko Thomas, and Joe Hungbo came in to replace Will Aimson, Jon Mellish, Michael Olakigbe, and Smith. There was also a welcome return to the matchday squad for Callum McManaman.
The Latics couldn’t have asked for a better start. Hungbo’s well-placed free kick from the right found Carragher, who climbed above everyone to head the ball into the corner, marking his first professional goal.
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Dale Taylor came close to doubling the lead moments later, but his effort from the edge of the box drifted narrowly wide.
Bristol Rovers eventually settled into the game, with Gatlin O’Donker testing Sam Tickle from distance, but the Latics’ goalkeeper dealt with it confidently.
Hungbo looked lively throughout, although he was booked for simulation after going down in the box. Thelo Aasgaard also had a chance, but his deflected shot looped just wide.
A good afternoon for Wigan Athletic yesterday. Highlights here - youtu.be/brlibIqNwQ4?... More reaction from Manchester Super News and European Super Football - eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/efl-202420...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 26 January 2025 at 15:20
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Tickle kept Wigan in front with a brilliant double save from O’Donker just before the hour mark. Ten minutes later, the Latics made it 2-0. A poor goal kick from the visitors gifted Taylor the ball, and he played in Smith, who slotted the ball clinically into the far corner.
Aasgaard almost added a third moments later, but his volley from close range thundered against the crossbar.
Bristol Rovers pushed to find a way back into the game, but the Latics remained in control. Smith had a chance to grab his second in stoppage time, but his lobbed effort went over the bar. Substitute Jon Mellish also went close in the dying moments but couldn’t find the target.
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